Near Middlesboro in Bell County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

The Emigrant's Dream

September 28, 2022

1. The Emigrant's Dream Marker

Inscription. Cumberland Gap, the break in the ridgeline you see ahead, is far more than just a pass through a long, rugged mountain barrier. For a generation of American pioneers this was the gateway from their old lives and limitations out to a frontier wilderness, full of promise, and the chance to start a better life.

What a buzzel is amongst people about Kentucke? To hear people speak of it one would think that it was a new found Paradise!
Reverend John Brown, 1775

Ask these Pilgrims what they expect when they git to Kentucke. The Answer is Land. Have you any? No, but I expect I can git it. Have you anything to pay for land? No. Did you Ever see the Country? No, but Every Body says it is good land...
Moses Austin, 1796

Erected by Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - National Park Service - Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1775.

Location. 36° 36.215′ N, 83° 41.741′ W. Marker is near Middlesboro, Kentucky, in Bell County. Marker is on Pinnacle Road, on the right when traveling east. Located at the west end Cumberland Gap National Historical Park visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Middlesboro KY 40965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Stories of a journey through the Wilderness, into Kentucke.. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gateway to Kaintuck (about 300 feet away); Community Park to National Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pinnacle of Perfection (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lewis and Clark in Kentucky Cumberland Gap (approx. 0.4 miles away); Middlesboro Meteorite Crater Impact Site (approx. 0.6 miles away); Wilderness Road (approx. 0.8 miles away); Warriors' Path (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middlesboro.

Also see . . . Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. (Submitted on September 19, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

2. The Emigrant's Dream Marker

Photographed By Tom Bosse, September 4, 2021

3. The Emigrant's Dream Marker

Cumberland Gap image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

4. Cumberland Gap

View from the marker location. The rise in the center, on the north side of the gap, is Pinnacle Overlook at an elevation of 2440 feet above sea level.

Reconstructed Settler's Cabin image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

5. Reconstructed Settler's Cabin

A cabin at the visitor center serves as an example of early settler dwellings. The cabin is used for living history displays.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,053 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 2, 2022. 2. submitted on September 19, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on September 5, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4, 5. submitted on September 19, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.